No. 14.
Mr. Osborn to Mr. Frelinghuysen

No. 12.]

Sir: On the 3d instant I had an extended interview with the minister of foreign affairs, Senhor F. Franco de Sá, regarding the proposed Congress of American States to be held in Washington in November next, to which the Department instructions numbered 8, 9, and 10 refer.

The interview lasted fully an hour, and was of an exceedingly agreeable character. After the usual interchange of courtesies I explained to the minister the purpose of my visit, and then proceeded to read to him instruction No. 8.

The reading progressed quite slowly and was frequently interrupted with questions, explanations, and discussions.

Senhor Franco de Sá seemed much interested in the subject, paying the strictest attention to the language of the instruction and to what I had to offer, and his frequent expressions of approval as well as his manner convinced me that the project which I was presenting had his entire approval. He seemed especially impressed with my presentation of reasons in support of a cordial co-operation in the movement by Brazil, wherein I followed generally the line marked out in No. 9; and as he appeared desirous of knowing something touching the details of the proposed Congress, I made known to him the contents of so much of No. 10 as seemed proper, and left with him a memorandum on that branch of the subject.

As directed, I left with the minister a copy of No. 8, and forwarded to him, soon after my return to the legation, a brief note in which, in the name of the President, I formally invited His Majesty the Emperor to send two representatives to the Congress.

As yet, I have no answer to my note; but I shall expect one soon, as the minister assured me that the subject should receive prompt consideration. I know that the Emperor has spoken approvingly of our purposes in this connection, and 1 cannot doubt that the response will be satisfactory.

I have, &c.,

THOMAS A. OSBORN.